Winging It: Bali
biggest Hindu festivals on Indonesian paradise island Bali and an experience not to be missed.
With brightly decorated bamboo poles lining parade-flooded streets, Galungan is one of the biggest Hindu festivals on Indonesian paradise island Bali and an experience not to be missed. Commemorate the triumph of good(Dharma) over evil (Adharma) with traditional music, dancing, and cuisine. Head to any town or village for the vibrant festival, which is celebrated throughout the island, before doing what you really came to do – flop out on the beach.
After all that dancing around bamboo poles, we're guessing you'll want a beachfront retreat to hide away in. Alila Villas Soori, on the southwest coast of Bali, are a collection of luxury villas fringed by rice fields and volcanic black sands, right on the beachfront. Check into a Mountain Pool Villa with a private pool, and the best bit – the terrace's views look right out onto the monumental Mount Batukaru.
You could spend a weekend eating all the Balinese street food you can get your mitts on – or you could learn to do it at home. Luckily, local chefs are willing to share their secrets and teach you traditional Balinese cooking, all from the comfort of a Ubud home. The class includes a walking tour around Ubud's markets, where you pick up fresh produce and spices to butcher back in the kitchen.
